State Secretary Žbogar at the EU–ACP Ministerial Council
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
This was the first meeting of the Council of Ministers since 2019 and was important in terms of consolidating the partnership between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific States, enhancing cooperation between the two sides in international forums and the desire to unblock the process of concluding a new partnership agreement between the EU and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (Post-Cotonou Agreement). The EU-ACP partnership is one of the EU's oldest, broadest and most comprehensive partnerships, based on the Cotonou Agreement concluded in 2000 for a period of 20 years.
Ministers discussed the global consequences of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which affect both sides, including food and energy security. State Secretary Žbogar stressed the importance of cooperation and solidarity in addressing the food crisis, which is largely affecting countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. In the framework of the 'Grains from Ukraine' initiative, Slovenia has pledged to allocate one million euros through the World Food Programme for emergency humanitarian assistance in food to partner countries.
In discussing the Post-Cotonou Agreement, which will strengthen the capacity of the EU and ACP countries to jointly tackle global challenges and redefine the partnership – with a particular focus on the specific needs of each region – the State Secretary highlighted the great potential of the partnership. He also said that Slovenia was actively working to ensure that the new agreement was signed as soon as possible.
In the discussion on EU-ACP cooperation in international forums, State Secretary Žbogar welcomed the agreement on the establishment of a special fund to address the effects of climate change on the most vulnerable developing countries (the 'Loss and Damage Finance Facility'). He also presented Slovenia's candidacy for non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the 2024–2025 term.
On the margins of the ministerial meeting, the State Secretary hosted a working meeting with the Caribbean group of states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OAECP). He also held bilateral talks with representatives of several African and Pacific countries, with whom he exchanged views on regional challenges and opportunities for cooperation in a bilateral and multilateral framework.